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Improving the quality of life in our communities is a key priority at
MWH - and our commitment extends far beyond the workplace and the workweek.
In fact, MWH people help each day to make life better in communities around
the world.
Working locally, our employees enrich the lives of residents by participating
in programs oriented towards:
Fostering Science, Math
and Engineering Education
Sharing knowledge is a key core value at MWH. We strongly believe in
helping young people — especially minorities and women — learn
more about science, math and engineering. Across the globe, MWH colleagues
are volunteering their time towards this effort.
MWH serves on the board of directors and as executive consultant to Science
Engineering Communications and Mathematics Excellence. This is the largest
pre-college alliance in the United States.
The program links 38 universities, 65 industry and government agencies,
99 school systems and more than 20,000 students. This alliance fosters
interest in engineering and related careers through field trips, design
competitions and other learning activities.
MWH also partners with schools worldwide to develop the talents of tomorrow.
Here are just a few examples:
- In 2002, the MWH Pasadena office in California worked with the Los
Angeles Board of Public Works to create a multifaceted program called
the MWH Outreach Initiative. An essential element of this initiative
is the MWH High School Internship Program designed to expose disadvantaged
and minority students in the City of Los Angeles to career options
within the water, wastewater and environmental engineering industry.
Ten students from Los Angeles area high schools were hired for the
2003 MWH High School Internship Program. The interns received a comprehensive
indoctrination to the world of water, wastewater and environmental
engineering during their six-week program. The MWH Outreach Initiative
was recently honored with the coveted Los Angeles Council of Engineers
and Scientists Harry Staubs President’s Award for outstanding
community outreach.
- MWH Cleveland’s Student Technical Enrichment Program (STEP)
continues to make great strides in its effort to peak students’ interests
in mathematics, science, engineering and other technical related fields.
Touring and meeting with officials at such sites as the Northeast Ohio
Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), the Burke Lakefront Airport, and
Akron’s Inventure Place, students received briefings and participated
in interactive exercises. At STEP’s Annual Career Day, students
heard from representatives of various organizations including MWH’s
Dr. Timothy Wolfe who talked about the different career opportunities
within the engineering field. For more information visit www.mwhstep.com.
- In Northwest England, SETNET-trained staff members visit local schools
to teach students about the field of engineering. SETNET is an organization
of 87 government, industry, engineering, education and charity entities.
- MWH Labs in Monrovia, California donates surplus equipment to the
California State University, Northridge and a two-year $4000 scholarship
to a worthy student. The Labs staff also supports regional science education
and builds network and computer lab facilities at local high schools.
The group also participates in the Southern California Chemistry and
Technology Alliance, an organization formed to encourage inner city
community college students to pursue careers in chemistry and other
technical areas.
- In Chicago, Illinois, MWH employees support the School Partners Program
at local elementary schools.
- In Reading, UK, MWH employees volunteer as tutors and topic presenters
at a local high school as part of the Project Business program.
Protecting the Environment
As an environmentally oriented firm, MWH vigorously supports efforts
to protect the earth's resources.
MWH employees are active members of the Water Environmental Federation
(WEF). This association is comprised of water and wastewater engineers
dedicated to preserving and enhancing the global water environment.
Additionally, our employees volunteer in a number of diverse ways:
- In New Zealand, staff from MWH’s Alexandra office spend time
cleaning up a portion of the lower Manuherikia River in the Alexandra
Township.
- In Houston, employees participated in the annual Rivers, Lakes, Bays
‘N’ Bayous Trash Bash, the largest prevention and cleanup
effort in the state of Texas.
- In Chicago, MWH volunteers participated in the Friends of Chicago
River Rescue Day and Flatwater Classic to clean up debris, remove invasive
species and maintain walking paths along the riverbanks.
- MWH Oak Ridge employees participated in the 13th annual International
Coastal and Clean Waters cleanup project helping collect over 1,400
pounds of trash off the bottom of Norris Lake in East Tennessee.
In our own offices and project sites, MWH applies environmentally friendly
polices of waste reduction, energy efficiency and appropriate disposal
of hazardous wastes.
These include recycling centers for paper, glass and metal in each office.
We take pride in purchasing supplies of recycled materials, as well as
energy-efficient lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
And we continually train our employees about energy conservation issues.
Small and Disadvantaged
Business Development
To create and strengthen small businesses, MWH reinvests money into the
community. It also partners with coalitions and networks of clients, industry
representatives, municipalities and local communities.
Our Small Contractor Development Program provides mentoring and technical/financial
support to small businesses in the local marketplace.
Emergency Assistance and Charitable
Work
MWH employees are always quick to lend a hand to communities in need.
Perhaps we're helping to raise money to fight illnesses. Sponsoring underprivileged
families. Or supporting others after a natural disaster. In a wide variety
of ways, our people are rolling up their sleeves to help.
- In the United Kingdom, MWH has played an active role in WaterAid,
a charity dedicated to providing water to the poor. Volunteers have
raised thousands of pounds for the organization. Employees have also
participated in the UK's largest half-marathon fundraising event. Runners
raised funds for the Imperial Cancer Research, WaterAid and St. Oswald's
Hospice Jigsaw Appeal. In other sporting events, volunteers collected
funds for the RedR disaster-relief agency.
- In the United States, MWH offices participate in a number of national
and regionally-sponsored events sponsored by organizations such as the
Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, United Way and
American Red Cross. To help those in need, many offices also sponsor
local families with donations of food, clothes and more.
- In Los Angeles (California), after the 1994 Northridge earthquake,
MWH helped city inspectors assess damages and determine the structural
condition of homes and businesses. We also contributed our time to build
utilities as well as a village for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles.
- In Brisbane, Australia, MWH volunteer’s coordinate special activities
for sick children at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
MWH employees have contributed to emergency assistance programs around
the world. Learn more about one particular employee's
work in Honduras and other nations.
At MWH, we take pride in making a difference. And this volunteer spirit
is integral to our corporate philosophy and core values. Learn more about
how you can join our team.
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